How to Hide or Show Network Icon in Windows 11 File Explorer
The Network icon in Windows 11 File Explorer is a sidebar shortcut that lets you quickly open and browse other computers and shared devices on your home or office network. You can easily remove this icon to clean up the left sidebar if you never share files or connect to other PCs.
Hiding or showing the Network shortcut takes just a quick change in the Folder Options menu, and you do not need to edit the registry to do it.
Right-click in the empty space below the Network icon in the File Explorer sidebar and select “Show Network” to toggle it. Alternatively, open File Explorer Options, go to the View tab, and check or uncheck “Show Network.
Why hide or show the Network icon in 🪟 Windows 11?
The Network icon in Windows 11 File Explorer helps find shared computers and devices on local networks quickly, though hiding it creates a cleaner sidebar.
What happens when you are done?
Once finished, the Network icon disappears or appears in the File Explorer sidebar. This change remains purely visual. Computers maintain their network connection status, and direct path entry in the address bar still reaches network drives.
How to show or hide the Network icon in File Explorer
Controlling sidebar visibility requires opening File Explorer , right-clicking any empty space in the left sidebar, and choosing ‘Show Network’ to toggle the state.
- Open File Explorer by pressing the Win+E.
- Right-click in the empty space below the Network icon in the left sidebar.
- Select Show Network to either hide or show it.
![\"Right-click](\"https://geekrewind.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/show-or-hide-network-from-navigation-pane-windows-11.jpg\")
Alternatively, use the Folder Options menu:
- Click the three-dot menu icon at the top of the File Explorer window.
- Select Options.
- On the Folder Options window, click the View tab.
- Look for the setting that says Show Network.
- Check or uncheck the box to show or hide the icon.
- Click OK to save your changes.
![\"Selecting](\"https://geekrewind.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/file-explorer-option-in-windows-11.jpg\")
![\"Folder](\"https://geekrewind.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/show-network-icon-windows-11.jpg\"){kind=icon}
Troubleshooting: Why is my network icon missing from the taskbar?
Missing network taskbar icons usually stem from disabled settings configurations. Reviewing taskbar properties resolves this behavior:
- Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
- Click Taskbar corner overflow.
- Ensure the toggle for Network is set to On.
A disabled network adapter (the hardware component linking a PC to local networks and the internet) often causes the icon to vanish. Open Network & Internet settings and verify the adapter status.
How to restart Windows Explorer to fix missing icons
Graphical interface glitches happen occasionally in Windows 11. Restarting the shell process often restores missing elements.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Find Windows Explorer in the list.
- Right-click it and select Restart.
Does updating network drivers fix the missing icon issue?
Outdated drivers trigger display anomalies. Open Device Manager, locate the Network Adapter, right-click it, and select Update driver. Choosing Uninstall device and restarting the machine forces Windows to reinstall the hardware fresh.
Advanced configuration: Registry and Group Policy
Power users possess the capability to enforce these rules via the Registry Editor. Administrative permissions remain mandatory, and improper modifications carry inherent risks.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Policies\\Explorer
Create a new DWORD value named NoNetHood and set it to 1. This action hides the icon.
Can I remove the network icon from the lock screen?
Security measures allow hiding network indicators on the sign-in screen. Administrative privileges are required. Open the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) and navigate to Computer Configuration\\Administrative Templates\\System\\Logon. Enable the policy Remove network connectivity indicator from the lock screen.
Summary
Managing network indicators in Windows 11 remains manageable whether cleaning up File Explorer or troubleshooting taskbar presence.
Why is my network icon greyed out in 🪟 Windows 11?
Greyed-out icons frequently indicate disabled adapters or malfunctioning drivers. Check Network Connections inside the Control Panel (a system utility for managing hardware and software settings) to confirm the adapter operates correctly. Running the Network Troubleshooter or refreshing drivers restores normal operations.
Does hiding the network icon disconnect me from the internet?
Hiding network indicators in File Explorer or the taskbar alters appearance exclusively. Actual internet connectivity, adapter properties, and web browsing capabilities remain untouched. Local network access functions normally.
How do I reset the network icon in 🪟 Windows 11?
Reseting network settings in Windows 11 restores default adapter configurations when persistent display anomalies occur.
How to show network icon in 🪟 Windows 11?
Lost the sidebar shortcut? Right-click any empty space in that left panel and select 'Show Network' to bring it back instantly.
Where is my network icon?
Toggle switches sit directly ahead of network entries. Clicking the switch activates the taskbar icon visibility. Closing the settings window concludes the procedure.
How do I bring back the network icon on my taskbar?
Verify activation states, return one level back, and locate the notification area. Select which icons appear on the taskbar, then locate the network entry.
Why is the internet icon not showing?
Unseen taskbar icons frequently reside within the overflow area. Clicking the small arrow in the bottom right corner reveals hidden tray items.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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